Topic 1.11.4 Making Suggestions
“WHY DON'T WE…?”
1.DISCUSSION:
How do you usually respond when someone makes a suggestion to you?
Why is it important to make suggestions in a business environment?
When was the last time you suggested a new idea to your team? Did your team like your suggestion?
2A.VIDEO: before you watch read the definition for WORKFLOW:
A workflow is the series of steps (stages) or tasks that you follow to complete a job or project. It’s like a plan that shows what the team needs to do.
*Can you describe the workflow of your current project / daily tasks?
2B. Watch Part 1 of the video.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sx84xpdPBAk
*Which stage(s) does he want to change?
2C. Watch Part 2 of the video. Which stages in the process are not necessary with the new system?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zm487-6Vhsk
2D. work in pairs. Talk again about the workflow of your current project / daily tasks. Are there any stages you want to change? why?
SUGGESTIONS
3A.LANGUAGE SKILLS: Making and responding to suggestions
Giving ideas
I think we need to improve the process.
Why don’t we use technology?
Why not use an electronic contracts system?
I think we should invite Susie from HR.
Responding to ideas
What’s the solution?
How can we improve this?
Could you get me more information
about this?
Really? That sounds great.
That’s interesting. Tell me more.
That’s a good idea.
I’m not sure about that.
OK, but I’m not totally convinced.
“Should”
Use “should” to give advice or suggestions.
Example: “You should finish the report by Friday.”
Example: “We should have a meeting to discuss the project.”
Example: “You should check the email for updates.”
3B. Put the words in order.
4. ACTIVITY: Work in pairs. Read the situations before. Talk to your partner and suggest and accept ideas to improve the situations:
The office is too noisy during meetings.
The break room is always messy.
The team often misses project deadlines.
The printer is always out of paper.
The office lighting is not very good.
The computer software is outdated.
The meeting times are inconvenient for everyone.
The air conditioning is too cold.
5. ACTIVITY: WORKFLOW
Now answer the questions:
What is the workflow about?
Can you identify any problems?
What changes do you suggest?
6.ROLEPLAY: work in pairs or small teams. You work for HR. Discuss the process for hiring new staff. Look at the list of tasks below and answer the questions.
- Do you need to add any stages?
- Are any stages not necessary?
- How long do you need for the complete process? A week? Two weeks? A month?
